The in-state rivalry between University of Michigan and Michigan State University is felt most acutely on football game day. But the history of the bad blood between these Big Ten sibling schools goes back before football was even a sport. On this episode of On Hand we talk about why this rivalry feels personal, and we answer a listener's question about the story behind the rivalry. 

GUEST ON THIS EPISODE:
Chris Vannini, reporter for The Athletic. 

Read Chris' article "Inside Michigan's decades-long efforts to keep Michigan State out of the Big Ten"

Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
Online Submission Form
Call us: 734-764-7840
Email us: onhand@michiganpublic.org

The in-state rivalry between University of Michigan and Michigan State University is felt most acutely on football game day. But the history of the bad blood between these Big Ten sibling schools <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4718816/2023/07/26/michigan-msu-big-ten-realignment-rivalry/">goes back</a> before football was even a sport. On this episode of On Hand we talk about why this rivalry feels personal, and we answer a listener's question about the story behind the rivalry.&nbsp;
GUEST ON THIS EPISODE:
<ul>
<li>Chris Vannini, reporter for The Athletic.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Read Chris' article&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/4718816/2023/07/26/michigan-msu-big-ten-realignment-rivalry/">"Inside Michigan's decades-long efforts to keep Michigan State out of the Big Ten"</a>
Want to submit a question to On Hand? Do it here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand/2025-08-14/submit-your-questions">Online Submission Form</a></li>
<li>Call us: <a href="tel:7347647840">734-764-7840</a></li>
<li>Email us: <a href="mailto:onhand@michiganpublic.org" aria-haspopup="menu">onhand@michiganpublic.org</a></li>
</ul>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund